7 B-Movies That Became Sci-Fi Classics to Watch for Free in February 2024

It seems that one route to cult movie status is to create a film that makes viewers wonder whether they're even supposed to take it seriously. A few of these fit that description perfectly:

7. 1990: The Bronx Warriors (1983)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35%

A post-apocalyptic sci-fi action movie in which The Bronx has been declared a 'no-man's land'. Ann is set to inherit an arms factory which she's morally opposed to, so she runs away to this lawless area of New York. An agent is then sent to bring her home.

The film was largely criticised for being a bit silly and going over the top. In the end, that was what made it a cult classic.

Stream for free on: Tubi and Plex.

6. Starcrash (1979)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 36%

Often described as a rip-off of Star Wars because…well, it is. In a galaxy far, far away, a smuggler and her alien companion are sent to rescue the son of the Emperor.

Christopher Plummer 'stars' and it features a young David Hasselhoff. The movie is disjointed, lacks direction and was a poor attempt to cash in on the hype around Star Wars. But it slots straight into the so-bad-it's-good category.

Stream for free on: Tubi.

5. Timecop (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 42%

The premise is pretty good. Time Travel has enabled criminals to go back in time and commit crimes using modern technology. But it's starting to change history, and something needs to be done about it.

There are plenty of plot holes and inconsistencies, but if you can get past them, Timecop is an enjoyable watch.

Stream for free on: Tubi.

4. The Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 50%

Part of the reason this movie achieved cult status might be that William Shatner is in it. But it has all the expected tropes too.

Shatner plays a vet brought in to investigate the death of a cow. Things don't look right, so he calls a scientist, and the pair realise giant spiders are a threat to everything and everyone in the town.

The Kingdom of the Spiders has been heavily criticised but it's actually a pretty good film.

Stream for free on: Tubi.

3. Tank Girl (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%

Call a movie Tank Girl and you're almost guaranteed it'll become a classic one way or another.

A post-apocalyptic sci-fi action adventure set after a decade-long drought. Tank Girl (aka Rebecca Buck) lives in the Australian outback and owns the last well not monopolised by the powerful W&P corporation

When W&P personnel come to seize control of it, Tank Girl fights back and ends up getting arrested along with her friend Jey Girl. Badly treated in prison, Tank Girl rebels.

The movie tackled feminism before it was cool and still stands up today. It's no masterpiece but it's deserving of cult status.

Stream for free on: Tubi and Pluto.

2. Capricorn One (1978)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

One for the conspiracy theorists. Pretty much everything about this movie feels not quite right, but underneath the poor writing, mediocre acting and plot inconsistencies, there is a story of a faked landing on Mars that the government and 'crew' are in on.

Maybe the 70s just weren't ready for such a story. But it's aged well and viewers are generally able to look beyond its faults and see it for what it was intended to be.

Stream for free on: Tubi and Pluto.

1. Death Race 2000 (1975)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone star in this dystopian movie set in the USA in the year 2000. Now under totalitarian rule, life is tough for Americans, but they all get excited for an annual road race known for its violence and gore.

Naturally, there's a resistance movement and this movie sees members of it out to assassinate the president. It has plenty of action, loads of thrills and some great twists. Panned on release, it's built up a solid fanbase over the years.

Stream for free on: Tubi, Plex, Pluto and Filmzie.